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Jansen works on pitching subtleties in Minors camp

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GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Instead of pitching in Saturday's Dodgers-Mariners game as scheduled, Kenley Jansen pitched a hitless inning for a Minor League squad against Team Italy, which is training for the World Baseball Classic at Camelback Ranch.

After the inning against Italy, whose hitting coach is former Dodger Mike Piazza, Jansen worked with coaches Ken Howell and Chuck Crim on controlling the running game.

Jansen, 25, has ridden a nasty cutter to strikeout dominance and the occasional closer role. But as a former catcher who was rushed to the big leagues, he lacks many of the game's subtleties that are refined through Minor League seasoning.

In three seasons, baserunners are a perfect 17-0 in attempted steals.

Jansen's session Saturday involved recognizing threatening leads by runners at first base, and utilizing tools (pickoff moves, stepping off the rubber and changing the pace of delivery) to disrupt opposing runners.

"This is what I need to improve on, and I'll be a complete pitcher when I get it right," said Jansen.